Citroën’s Quirky Collection Grows With New C4 Diecast EV Models

Citroën just unveiled its new, next-generation ë-C4 all-electric hatchback but there's already a cute, almost-pocket-sized version available to fill up your shelves with more unusual cars from the French automaker.

To promote its new C4 hatchbacks, available with a fossil fuel powertrain if you don't want the plug-in version, Citroën has launched a few new diecast models, including 1:43 and 1:64 scale versions of the two new C4s. The 1:43 versions of the C4 models cost 37 euros and will be available in Iceland Blue and Caramel Brown, while the cheaper (5 euro) 1:64 scale comes in four colors, adding Elixir Red and Polar White to the mix. You can probably guess which one is which in the image above.

The real ë-C4 has 50-kWh lithium-ion battery that can move the hatchback 350 kilometers (218 miles) on a full charge, using the WLTP test cycle. A 136-horsepower (100-kW) electric motor pushes the ë-C4 from 0-62 miles per hour in 9.7 seconds in sport mode. The battery can be recharged to 80 percent full in 30 minutes using a 100-kW DC fast charging station. A full Level 2 charge takes between 5 hours (when using the optional three-phase 11-kW charger) and 7-and-a-half hours with a single-phase charger. The scale models do not have these features.

There are more fun Citroën electric vehicles to be had at from the oddball marque, like a 1:43 version of the Ami One concept from last year. The real-world version of the Ami is a subscription-based EV that can be driven by teenagers as young as 14 in some parts of Europe for about $20 a month (see the details here). There's also a 1:43 scale 19_19 Concept, which does match what the brand calls "a spectacular object, a true UFO in the automotive sector."

Like the brand itself, 1:43 scale is a quirky size in the model vehicle realm. They're not impossible to find by any means, but 1:18 or 1:24 scale vehicles are more popular. Even 1:64 offers more options on sites like Collectible Diecast, so that's the size that is most likely to match what you've got if you're interested in adding the new Citroën C4 models to your collection. And if you just want to peruse Citroëns from all eras, from the Cactus to the classic 2CV and even the GT by Citroën concept car from the 2008 Salon de Paris, they're all out there. I wish I had more shelves to display them on.

Orders for the 1:1 scale ë-C4 will open by the end of summer.